How Seniors Can Stay Active During COVID-19 Social Distancing
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned life upside down. For most of us, it has been a constant battle between what we’re accustomed to versus the “new normal.”
All of us, particularly seniors and the elderly, have restricted travels, work, and socializing. Most seniors, who are at a higher risk of contracting the disease, are reducing their social activities. This has caused stress and anxiety for many.
To preserve their physical and mental health well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some ways seniors can stay active while still observing social distancing protocols.
Long Walks
Now is a great time to really get to know your neighborhood with daily walks. Just select a quiet time - for us it’s after dinner - and avoid areas that easily get busy (such as near grassy fields or playgrounds).
Exercise at Home
When walking isn’t cutting it, switch things up a bit and incorporate yoga, tai chi, or Pilates to your daily routine. There are a ton of instructional videos online, you’ll never run out of programs to try.
Aside from online classes, there are so many exercises you can do at home with minimal or no equipment. Regular household items such as soup cans and water bottles can even be used to add weight.
Soak in the Backyard
If you enjoy the great outdoors, then use this time to really invest in your own yard. Set up your tent in the backyard, fix up your patio furniture, build some new garden beds, hang bistro lights, start beekeeping, try out that new hobby you’ve always put off for next year. We’ve started gardening this year, and as novice gardeners, have learned we have so much to learn, but are enjoying the process. There really is no time like the present.
Bushcraft
Use this time to strengthen your outdoor and survival skills. This pandemic has shown us all how self-reliant we need to be, so there is no better time to finetune any skills you haven’t had time to practice in a while.
With the right imagination and creativity, we can have fun and stay active even if stuck at home.
All of us, particularly seniors and the elderly, have restricted travels, work, and socializing. Most seniors, who are at a higher risk of contracting the disease, are reducing their social activities. This has caused stress and anxiety for many.
To preserve their physical and mental health well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some ways seniors can stay active while still observing social distancing protocols.
Long Walks
Now is a great time to really get to know your neighborhood with daily walks. Just select a quiet time - for us it’s after dinner - and avoid areas that easily get busy (such as near grassy fields or playgrounds).
Exercise at Home
When walking isn’t cutting it, switch things up a bit and incorporate yoga, tai chi, or Pilates to your daily routine. There are a ton of instructional videos online, you’ll never run out of programs to try.
Aside from online classes, there are so many exercises you can do at home with minimal or no equipment. Regular household items such as soup cans and water bottles can even be used to add weight.
Soak in the Backyard
If you enjoy the great outdoors, then use this time to really invest in your own yard. Set up your tent in the backyard, fix up your patio furniture, build some new garden beds, hang bistro lights, start beekeeping, try out that new hobby you’ve always put off for next year. We’ve started gardening this year, and as novice gardeners, have learned we have so much to learn, but are enjoying the process. There really is no time like the present.
Bushcraft
Use this time to strengthen your outdoor and survival skills. This pandemic has shown us all how self-reliant we need to be, so there is no better time to finetune any skills you haven’t had time to practice in a while.
With the right imagination and creativity, we can have fun and stay active even if stuck at home.
